Whether it’s keeping our mood, health or overall quality of life in check, there’s no denying a good night’s sleep is a precious thing, yet it’s something so many of us struggle with.
According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, nearly half (48 per cent) of Aussie adults report at least two sleep-related problems such as too little sleep, insomnia and sleep apnoea. If you fall into this category, you’ve likely tried every remedy out there, but could drinking TikTok’s ‘Sleepy Girl Mocktail’ before bed be the evening elixir you need?
Here, we ask the experts if the viral drink is worth the hype, plus scroll down to see which sleep products you should be investing in for a better slumber.
What is the sleepy girl mocktail?
TikTok’s sleepy girl mocktail first hit the viral video platform in January 2023 when user Calee Shea (@caleeshea) posted a video of herself mixing a simple potion of 100 per cent tart cherry juice, magnesium powder and sparkling water and enjoying before bed.
However, it didn’t reach virality until wellness influencer Gracie Norton (@gracie_norton) shared the wine-looking concoction with her 1.1 million followers a few months later, praising it for helping with her sleep during her luteal phase.
Fast-forward a year and the tonic can be found plastered all over FYP’s with many users sharing their sleep success stories with this simple drink.
SLEEPY GIRL MOCKTAIL RECIPE:
- ½ cup 100% tart cherry juice
- 1 tbsp Magnesium Powder
- A splash of probiotic sparkling drink (which can be subbed out for soda water),
- Ice
WATCH: Gracie Norton’s Sleepy Girl Mocktail
Does the sleepy girl mocktail actually work?
While we live and die by the rule that you can’t believe everything you see on social media, according to Pukka Herbs resident Naturopath Bianca Nelson this trending tonic’s hero ingredients of tart cherry juice and magnesium can aid in our sleep.
“Tart cherry juice naturally contains melatonin which is a hormone responsible for regulating our sleep-wake cycle,” Nelson explains. Despite this, one pilot study on tart cherry juice for the treatment of insomnia found the amount of melatonin in the juice is significantly lower than the amount used for treating insomnia.
On the other hand, Nelson explains that magnesium (found in both the supplement and the tart cherry juice) is needed for many different enzymatic reactions in the body. “One of the enzymatic reactions of these is to promote sleep through binding to our GABA receptors and reducing nervous system over-activity.” Of course, while many sleepy girls have sung this mocktail’s praises, there is always the possibility of the placebo effect.
What should you do if the sleepy girl mocktail doesn’t work?
Just like any vitamin or supplement, the effectiveness of the sleepy girl mocktail will differ from person to person. Regardless, Nelson notes that if you are having sustained issues sleeping, you need to address the root cause of your lack of shut-eye. “If you’re not sure, start with the simple foundations to promote restful sleep,” she explains.
Holistically, this includes prioritising a sleep routine, steering clear of electronic devices at least one hour before you hit the hay (so that means no TikTok before bed), only engaging in relaxing activities before bed and avoiding eating too close to bedtime.
If you still find you are having issues you cannot resolve on your own, consult a health professional who can support you to understand what’s going on and how to fix it.
THE BEST SLEEP PRODUCTS IN 2024
Slip Pure Silk Sleep Mask
$55 at Sephora Australia
Darkness take us away! While a sleep mask is a welcome addition to any sleep routine, this one feels a lot more luxurious. Made with 100 per cent slipsilk™ — the highest grade (6A) long fiber mulberry silk — you can rest easy knowing your eyes are in good hands.
Epzen Magnesium Bath Crystals Sleep
$15.99 at Priceline
Is there anything more calming than a bath before bed? Add 2 cups of these magnesium epsom salts into a steamy bath to ease nervous tension. With a natural blend of lavender, cedarwood and roman chamomile essential oils you’ll be ready to drift off in no time.
Loop Earplugs Quiet
$34.95 at Loop Earplugs
Whether you live with a snorer or are trying to block out noisy neighbours, Loop Earplugs are what you need to block out sleep-interrupting sounds. With up to 26 dB (SNR) of noise reduction, these reusable earplugs have certified hearing protection and flexible soft-touch silicone, getting the tick from us.
Maison Balzac Bonne Nuit Candle 300g
$79 at Adore Beauty
A candle is one of the easiest ways to create a slumber-enducing space. Crafted by homeware heavyweights Maison Balzac, the Bonne Nuit candle is a relaxing one made with pure organic lavender oil sourced from France. With a soy wax blend, this candle burns for approximately 70 hours (which means you’ll have plenty of nights to enjoy it).
Night Time Berry Tea Bags
$8.95 at Woolworths Supermarkets
Pukka’s Night Time Berry Tea is all you need for a calming cup. As the brand’s latest blend in their Night Time tea range, each box of Night Time Berry contains 20 tea bags made with a beautiful blend of organic berries, calming chamomile, valerian and echinacea. This tea is also naturally caffeine-free and made with ethically sourced and organically grown ingredients getting the tick from us.
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